Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Luis Diaz AGREES terms, Bellingham pursuit LATEST, Reds favourites to land Dybala
LUIS DIAZ has reportedly agreed terms with Liverpool.
The Porto winger is said to be ready to sign a five-year deal, with the Reds and Porto currently preparing the paperwork.
Liverpool are also said to be leading the race for Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans.
Nico Williams is another named linked with Anfield, while Aston Villa are said to be plotting a raid for Joe Gomez.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and deals with our blog below…
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- Jake Lambourne
Van Dijk’s dream defence partner
Virgil Van Dijk has revealed that former Everton boss Ronald Koeman would be his dream defensive partner.
Speaking on his admiration for his Dutch compatriot, Van Dijk said on Liverpool’s YouTube channel: “I would say Ronald Koeman.
"Yeah, more because obviously he’s been quite an important figure of my career so far.
“And he won the Euros with Holland in 1988, so I would say him.”
- Jake Lambourne
Brighton willing to sell Bissouma
Premier League clubs have been put on red alert with Brighton reportedly willing to sell star midfielder Yves Bissouma this month.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa are all believed to be admirers of the Mali international.
And according to The Times, the Seagulls are ready to cash in on the 25-year-old.
Valued at around £50million, Bissouma has just 18 months left on his contract at the Amex Stadium.
The south coast outfit know that they may not be able to fetch that price in the summer when he enters his last year of his deal.
- Jake Lambourne
Denis the menace
Juventus are reportedly determined to beat Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.
The Swiss international is set to become a free agent in the summer, and the German side are keen to cash in on him before the window closes.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Juventus are pushing to sign Denis Zakaria immediately.
"Talks ongoing with Borussia Monchengladbach and Zakaria’s new agents in the last few hours.
"Negotiations ongoing to reach an agreement over last minute move. Juve have made their proposal."
Before adding: "Juventus have submitted an opening proposal to sign Denis Zakaria immediately: €7m [£5.8m] add-ons included. Borussia Monchengladbach will decide soon."
- Jake Lambourne
Liverpool pair set for exit
Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino will reportedly be allowed to leave Liverpool before the window closes.
According to the Athletic, the Reds are ready to sell the pair as they close in on the signing of Porto star Luis Diaz.
Both players are claimed to have been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.
Boss Jurgen Klopp will have Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Diaz to count on once the Africa Cup of Nations ends.
- Jake Lambourne
Liverpool in for Fulham's Carvalho
Liverpool could reportedly lure Fulham's teenage playmaker Fabio Carvalho to Anfield this month.
The 19-year-old has chipped in with seven goals and three assists in 17 Championship games this term.
Commenting on the England youth international, transfer guru Dean James told GiveMeSport: "I’m starting to hear whispers that Liverpool might push forward their interest in Fabio Carvalho to this window.
"Their interest has definitely turned his head."
- Jake Lambourne
Pennant wants Aubameyang at Everton
Former Liverpool forward Jermaine Pennant has urged Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join EVERTON.
He told BestofBets.com: “Although Pierre is a great footballer, something really bad obviously happened at Arsenal – serious enough to strip his of captaincy – and this may work as a deterrent for some clubs.
"But… there will be some teams out there, such as Everton, who require a big name striker to help them.
"So, that can play in his favour, because he's a big name, and he can score goals.
"So, it might not be a top, top-tier team, but middle-tier, and he shouldn't find a problem there, regardless of what's gone on at Arsenal.
"If he comes out saying, ‘I just wanna play, I just want to prove, I want to get back into things,’ they should take him.
“And considering the problems Everton are faced with at the moment, Pierre-Emerick could be just what they need to help them out of relegation fears."
- sstreet
Diaz 'agrees terms'
Luis Diaz has agreed personal terms on a five-year Liverpool deal, according to reports.
Fabrizio Romano has tweeted: "Liverpool and FC Porto are preparing paperworks in order to complete Luís Diaz deal as soon as possible.
"Clubs discussing on final details – while Diaz has agreed personal terms to join Liverpool immediately.
"Luís Diaz will sign with Liverpool on a five year deal."
- Jake Lambourne
Liverpool target Luis Diaz's background
Colombian forward Luis Diaz looks set to a move to Premier League, in what has been a remarkable journey to the top.
The 25-year-old Porto star was coveted by Tottenham in the past year, but now appears to be destined for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in a mammoth £50million deal.
As a kid, Diaz grew up in the small village of Barrancas in the Wayuu tribe of the indigenous people of Colombia.
The ethnic group mostly live in the arid Guajira Peninsula close to the border with Venezuela, on the Caribbean coast.
His opportunity to break out of his humble surroundings came at the 2015 Copa Americana de Pueblos Indígenas, a South American football tournament for indigenous people.
There, he impressed World Cup legend Carlos Valderrama and went on trial at first division Atletico Junior before he was immediately sent to farm team Barranquilla FC.
Read more HERE.
- Jake Lambourne
Morning Liverpool fans
Jurgen Klopp is tipped to beat Spurs to £45milion Colombia winger Luis Diaz and could land Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho.
The Reds need back-up for AFCON strike stars Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
And Klopp is also thought to want more attacking options down the flank.
That makes Porto hero Diaz an inviting possibility.
It's also claimed the 25-year-old would much prefer a move to second-placed Liverpool than erratic Spurs.
Meanwhile, Fulham chief Marco Silva admits it's been 'difficult' to encourage Portugue attacking midfielder Carvalho. 19, to sign a new deal – because of the Reds' interest.
But Silva still expects to keep Carvalho until the summer.
Liverpool are also said to be interested in Juventus' Argentina forward Paulo Dybala.
And the Reds have been urged to 'do all they can' to bring in Manchester United ‘target’ Jude Bellingham.
Jermaine Pennant rates Borussia Dortmund's England midfielder, 18, as the ‘next Steven Gerrard’
Former Liverpool ace Pennant told BestofBets.com: “He can get up the pitch, he can score, he can assist, he can also do the defensive side of it.
“I really think Klopp would get so much out of him, and nurture him, and progress his career like he has done with the players that he’s got now.
“Someone like Jude Bellingham may be the key to create that super squad."
- Ian Tuckey
Inter must grin and Bare it
Inter Milan have suffered a huge blow ahead of their Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool.
The Serie A side will have to go up against the Reds without the help of midfielder Nicolo Barella who was handed a two-match ban ahead of the European clash.
Barella received a red card against Real Madrid in the competition back in December and now UEFA had meted out his punishment.
Barella’s ban means he’ll have to watch both ties against the Reds from the stands.
- Ian Tuckey
Fulham hope to keep Kop target Carvalho
Marco Silva revealed it has been “difficult” to encourage Fabio Carvalho to sign a new contract at Fulham amid increased interest from Liverpool.
But the Cottagers boss is confident the Portuguese whizkid, 19, will stay put this month despite the Reds being keen to hash out a January deal.
Carvalho, on seven goals and two assists this term, rejected an extension in November and will be a free agent when his deal expires at the end of the campaign.
Silva said: “Fab will be with us until the end of the season.
Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho scores wonder goal in U21 match
“I would like, except is not the right word, I would like to see him play for us at Fulham football club.
“I will not lie, it has been difficult for us to renew.
“Of course we are trying to do our best but it has been difficult. When you have a player of this talent and at this level last year of contract it is difficult to keep him with contract.
“Without a contract it is even worse. What I can tell you right now is that Fabio will be with us until the end of the season.”
- Ian Tuckey
Klopp tipped to beat Conte to Diaz
Liverpool are rated favourites to land Tottenham target Luis Diaz.
It's thought the Reds have nipped in with a £45milion bid for Porto's Colombia winger.
And the 25-year-old would reportedly prefer to join Jurgen Klopp's second-placed Premier Leaguers than Antonio Conte's Spurs, who are stuttering in seventh.
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
Carroll swaps Royals for Baggies
Ex-Liverpool ace Andy Carroll has officially completed a move to West Brom until the end of the season.
The striker recently left Reading upon the expiry of his short-term deal.
Carroll, 33, had joined the Royals on just £1,000-a-week as he aimed to prove his fitness and quality.
And he has impressed enough in his eight Championship outings to bag himself a deal at high-flying West Brom.
West Brom have moved for Carroll following the injury to new January signing Daryl Dike.
- Ian Tuckey
'Reds must target Bellingham'
Liverpool have been urged to go all-out for Manchester United 'target' and 'next Steven Gerrard' Jude Bellingham.
Borussia Dortmund's England winger, `18, is expected to be eyed by a strong of European giants next summer.
And ex-Liverpool and Arsenal wideman Jermaine Pennant believes Bellingham is the perfect fit for Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp.
Credit: Getty Pennant told BestofBets.com: "He's an incredible fantastic young talent; he reminds me of a young Steven Gerard.
"For a young kid like that, he's built well, he's not scared of a challenge, he can get up the pitch, he can score, he can assist, he can also do the defensive side of it.
"I really think Klopp would get so much out of him, and nurture him, and progress his career like he has done with the players that he's got now.
"And I think in that midfield, he will give that little bit extra, because creativity wise, Liverpool's midfield is more defensive minded… but someone like Jude Bellingham may be the key to create that super squad.
"So yes – they should really do all they can to get him."
- Ian Tuckey
Liver-Paulo?
Liverpool are said to interested in signing Paulo Dybala from Juventus.
However, with the Reds intent on securing Luis Diaz from Porto, they’ll reportedly swoop on Dybala in the summer, according to forzaitalianfootball.
And with Juve close to signing Dusan Vlahovic, it’s unlikely that they will try and stand in Dybala’s way of a move to Anfield when the season ends.
- Ian Tuckey
All that Diaz to cost £50m
Luis Diaz’s Liverpool transfer will reportedly cost a whopping £50million when complete.
But the winger will only be receiving a meagre £56,000-a-week in wages, according to a Portuguese journalist on Twitter.
If the reports are true, that means Diaz will earn less than Liverpool’s bit-part players such as Nat Phillips and Divock Origi who could both leave the club this month.
Phillips reportedly earns £64,000 weekly and Origi’s said to be on £60,000 every seven days, according to ThisIsAnfield.
- Justin Lawrence
Rush gives Hodgson verdict
Liverpool legend Ian Rush reckons Watford have done the right thing by appointing ex-Reds boss Roy Hodgson as manager.
Speaking to Gambling.com, Rush said: "“Ranieri is very experienced but by bringing in Roy Hodgson as his successor they’ve got an even more experienced manager now,”
“I know Roy well and I’ve seen his training sessions first hand from his time as Liverpool manager and I know he puts serious emphasis on working hard in training.
“He still has that fire burning within him and he’ll be getting those Watford players practicing every day on their defending, knowing when to attack and when not to.
“That experience and that work ethic that he’ll bring could make a real difference.”
- Justin Lawrence
Diaz's Liverpool move 'complete'
Liverpool and Porto have reportedly agreed to a £37.5million deal for Luis Diaz.
The Reds will also have to pay £12.5m in add-ons, according to footy reporter David Lynch.
Lynch claims Diaz will be unveiled as a Liverpool player once his medical is completed in Argentina this weekend.
- Justin Lawrence
Carrol joins West Brom
Ex-Liverpool ace Andy Carrol has officially completed a move to West Brom until the end of the season.
The striker recently left Reading upon the expiry of his short-term deal.
Carroll, 33, had joined the Royals on just £1,000-a-week as he aimed to prove his fitness and quality.
And he has impressed enough in his eight Championship outings to bag himself a deal at high-flying West Brom.
West Brom have moved for Carroll following the injury to new January signing Daryl Dike.
- Justin Lawrence
Diaz's rise from Colombian tribe
Liverpool transfer target Luis Diaz was discovered by Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama before becoming a star at Porto.
As a kid, Diaz grew up in the small village of Barrancas in the Wayuu tribe of the indigenous people of Colombia.
The ethnic group mostly live in the arid Guajira Peninsula close to the border with Venezuela, on the Caribbean coast.
His opportunity to break out of his humble surroundings came at the 2015 Copa Americana de Pueblos Indígenas, a South American football tournament for indigenous people.
There, he impressed World Cup legend Carlos Valderrama and went on trial at first division Atletico Junior before he was immediately sent to farm team Barranquilla FC.
However, he had to be placed on a special diet to gain weight after suffering with malnutrition.
But it didn't stop Diaz from becoming a superstar at Porto, as well as top scorer at last year's Copa America along with Lionel Messi.
- Justin Lawrence
Liverpool's Champions League boost
Inter Milan have suffered a huge blow ahead of their Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool.
The Serie A side will have to go up against the Reds without the help of midfielderNicolo Barella who was handed a two-match ban ahead of the European clash.
Barella received a red card against Real Madrid in the competition back in December and now UEFA had meted out his punishment.
Barella's ban means he'll have to watch both ties against the Reds from the stands.
- Justin Lawrence
Spurs' desperate Diaz attempt
Tottenham reportedly pulled out all the stops to sign Diaz before Liverpool came along and stole him from under their noses.
Money wasn't the issue as Spurs chief Daniel Levy was willing to meet Porto's demands to sign the winger.
But in the end, it boiled down to personal prefence – not cash – as Diaz was more tempted by the opportunity to play at Anfield rather than White Hart Lane, according to a Sky Sports journalist.
The Sky representative said: "Tottenham feel like they did everything possible to secure the deal for Porto’s Luis Diaz. The fee wasn’t an issue, but rather the player simply prefers Liverpool.
“Tottenham were willing to pay €45 million, plus €10m performance-related add-ons, for the Colombia international."
- Justin Lawrence
Reds interested in Dybala
Liverpool are said to interested in signing Paulo Dybala from Juventus.
However, with the Reds intent on securing Luis Diaz from Porto, they'll reportedly swoop on Dybala in the summer, according to forzaitalianfootball.
And with Juve close to signing Dusan Vlahovic, it's unlikely that they will try and stand in Dybala's way of a move to Anfield when the season ends.
- Justin Lawrence
Oxlade-Chamberlain's league hopes
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes Liverpool can catch league leaders Man City if they keep winning games.
He said: "We just have to keep winning and [if] you keep winning games, you put pressure on the teams ahead of you.
“I think when we won the Premier League a couple of years ago, even though we had a big gap you still feel that little bit of pressure when teams are chasing you.
"You maybe have a bit of a dip in performance and drop a couple of points.
“You never know, those things can affect teams. We’ve just got to keep winning games, keep putting pressure on and whatever will be will be in the end.”
- Justin Lawrence
Diaz's 'dire' wages
Luis Diaz's Liverpool transfer will reportedly cost a whopping £50million when complete.
But the winger will only be receiving a meagre £56,000-a-week in wages, according to a Portuguese journalist on Twitter.
If the reports are true, that means Diaz will earn less than Liverpool's bit-part players such as Nat Phillips and Divock Origi who could both leave the club this month.
Phillips reportedly earns £64,000 weekly and Origi's said to be on £60,000 every seven days, according to ThisIsAnfield.
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